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Update May 1: Transfer Station and Trailhead Parking Phased Reopening

Posted on: May 1, 2020 - 6:00pm

On April 28, Governor Mills extended Maine’s stay-at-home order with modifications to allow for certain activities to resume and businesses to operate safely. The plan establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins on May 1. The plan also implements protective protocols, along with broader additional health and safety measures, to protect residents. The new Order continues to require Maine people stay at home with limited exceptions for already permitted activities, such as grocery shopping or exercising. However, the new Stay Safer at Home Order will also allow Maine residents to visit businesses or participate in activities that are deemed safe to open under Stage 1 of the reopening plan. To learn more about this plan, the businesses and activities included in Stage 1, and to read the Governor’s full statement, visit: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-presents-safe-gradual-plan-restart-maines-economy-2020-04-28.

As noted at Monday’s Town Council meeting, the Town of Falmouth has also developed plans to reopen certain services and facilities to Falmouth residents beginning next week. These plans are in alignment with the Governor’s new orders regarding Stage 1. In the coming weeks, as we open Town facilities and offices, we will continue to provide updates via our website, social media, and E-Alerts.

Transfer Station

Beginning on Tuesday, May 5, the transfer station will re-open on a limited basis to Falmouth residents only. Please read below carefully for extended hours of operation, restrictions on disposal items, safety precautions, and social distancing procedures that will be in effect.

NOTE: Only the following items will be accepted at the Transfer Station:

Brush

Leaf Waste

No other disposal services will be available at this time. Curbside pick-up will continue for recycling and trash. Leaf bag pick-up will also occur curbside on Friday, May 8 and Friday, May 15. Items should be placed curbside by 7:00am to ensure pick-up. Brush will not be collected curbside and should not be placed in the leaf bags.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (extended hours)

Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (new day/extended hours)

Thursday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (extended hours)

Friday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (same/normal hours)

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (same/normal hours)

Extended hours are in place due to the high volume anticipated and to further promote separation of residents using the facility.

Residency Requirement

Brush and leaf disposal at the Transfer Station is only available to Falmouth Residents. Non-residents, contractors, landscapers, etc. will not be allowed to use the Transfer Station at this time. Residents must verify residency by:

Displaying an existing 2019 or 2020 Transfer Station sticker on their vehicle; or

Presenting their driver’s license indicating a Falmouth address. Licenses should be presented through the vehicle’s closed window by pressing it up against the inside glass so that the attendants may safely approach the vehicle to verify residency (see additional social distancing guidelines below).

Social Distancing and Safety

Follow additional signage regarding new safety and social distancing rules.

Both residents and employees must follow social distancing rules.

Residents should not approach Town employees for any reason.

Town employees will not assist with handling materials. Residents will drop off their leaves and brush as they normally do.

Residents will have access to only the leaf and brush disposal areas.

Attendants will manage access to each area to ensure that safe social distancing can occur.

It should be noted that the Transfer Station has been closed for several weeks during a time when spring cleanup occurs. Therefore, a high volume of use is anticipated upon reopening. If the Transfer Station is crowded when you arrive, consider returning at another time.

All of the above is subject to change at the discretion of Public Works management. In the event it is determined that social distancing cannot properly be maintained, this procedure will be modified accordingly. Questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at 207-781-3919.

Falmouth Parks, Trails & Trailhead Parking

The Town of Falmouth opened trails on April 25. See details regarding social distancing and safe trail usage HERE. Effective Monday, May 4, trailhead parking restrictions will be lifted, however social distancing precautions remain in place. To allow for better social distancing, parking at several locations will be limited to every other space.

In addition, Community Park will be open for trail access and dog walking only. The gate will remain closed until fields and facilities are reopened. Follow directional signage at that site.

Tennis courts at Huston Park and those next to the school administrative offices on Woodville Road will reopen for single play only. Only four players, playing on two separate courts, are allowed at the same time.

Please note that Town and school fields and facilities remain closed. Basketball courts and playgrounds in Falmouth also remain closed.